Please pass along to perspective students:
STUDIES IN ANTARCTIC SYSTEM SCIENCE The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, in conjunction with the Office of Study Abroad, at Michigan State University is pleased to announce openings for our Systems Science in Antarctica Study Abroad. This program is open to students from ANY university through MSU's Lifelong education program, providing anyone an opportunity to experience this incredible continent. Further details are available at: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/programs/antarcticscience.html, but some key information is: -the on-site portion program will take place from 18 Dec 2009 to 9 Jan 2010 -openings are limited, so we encourage applications be submitted as soon as possible -total cost of participation and travel will vary with tuition, but will range from $12,000 to $14,000 in most cases -please contact Dr. Daniel Hayes ([email protected]) or Dr. Mary Bremigan ([email protected]) for more information ====================================== Daniel Hayes Professor of Fisheries and Wildlife Department of Fisheries and Wildlife 13 Natural Resources Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Phone: 517-432-3781 FAX: 517-353-6496 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.msu.edu/~hayesdan/ ====================================== http://studyabroad.msu.edu/programs/antarcticscience.html What's this program about? Students will experience and learn about Earth System Science in the unique and dynamic setting of Antarctica - the only continent on Earth governed by a multinational treaty that promotes peace and advances scientific understanding and international collaboration. Biological and physical processes in Antarctica are fundamentally important to understanding climate change. Understanding these processes, and how they relate to global phenomena including the impact of humans, is critical to achieving a sustainable Earth. Specifically, the program will focus on: * Processes and interactions among the major components of the Antarctic system and their global impact. * Current research in marine and terrestrial biology, oceanography, climatology, glaciology, geology and human geography. * Adaptations of Antarctic plants and animals for surviving in extreme environments. * The 'Deep-Time' geological history of the Antarctic continent. * The importance of multidisciplinary research in Antarctic system science. * Early exploration of the world's coldest, windiest, driest and highest continent. * How science in Antarctica is being pursued by over 45 nations in a spirit of international cooperation and collaboration. * Lessons learned from the history of four eras: o Early whaling/sealing o Exploration o Science and international politics o The current climate of tourism/adventure/environmental research. Where does it take place? Students will spend one week in and around Ushuaia (Argentina), the southernmost city in the world, located on Tierra del Fuego. This will include outings to see active glaciers, observing marine mammals and seabirds, including penguins, in the Beagle Channel, and visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, as well as several pre-cruise lectures. Following this we will embark on the ship 'Ocean Nova' for a 12 day expedition, passing down the Beagle Channel, past Cape Horn, and then steaming across the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula. Students will make Zodiac landings, typically 2-3 per day, at sites that will be determined by weather and ice conditions, and will maximize the best options for observing wildlife, including several penguin species with their young, and offer an up-close look at the uniquely spectacular physical setting. We will also visit one or more active Antarctic research stations, and have an opportunity to meet scientists engaged in current research. The landings will be supplemented by shipboard lectures by the expedition staff and the course instructors, and plentiful opportunities to observe wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and whales, and icebergs and other ice formations, from the ship. What are the requirements? Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission. Applicants' participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation. Where will I live? Accommodation in Ushuaia, Argentina will be in a local tourist hotel. The remainder of the time housing will be in cabins with private facilities on-board an expedition-style ship that is partnered to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), an international member organization that advocates and promotes safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. Meals will be provided on-board the ship. Inflatable boats will be used for ship-to-shore transfers and for closer views of wildlife and icebergs.
